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Mum’s guide to Welwyn were recently invited to Swallow Dell to meet their new headteacher, James Berry, who has been in position since September 2023. Mr Berry is very keen to share his vision for the school with parents of Welwyn Garden City, and is really proud to share some of the positive impacts already being made at Swallow Dell.
Mr Berry shared a little about his teaching journey, leading to his current position , and his passion for making a difference to all children's lives is evident. Mr Berry worked at an inner city London school for 10 years before becoming Headteacher at a school in Harpenden, where he worked for 5 years before seeking a new challenge. Mr Berry brings to Swallow Dell his passion for social mobility- "an academic social success where I want all children to better themselves", he explains.
Mr Berry talked proudly about his hopes and plans for Swallow Dell, acknowledging the most recent Ofsted report the school received under the previous Headteacher, and areas that he has already begun working on to improve the school. His vision is "We want to be the best all round. We want to be the forefront of leading the way in education, so other schools are learning from us".
He shares his hopes for the pupils of their school: to be Ambitious , to excel, and that our children thrive in their school journey.
Here are some of the ways he plans to do this:
> Fresh ideas in the senior leadership team to raise expectations
> Introduction of a new phonics programme that has already increased on track results from 70% to 90% last term. Wow!
> A fresh look at the curriculum
> The introduction of 3 school rules: Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Respectful
> The introduction of specialist trained teachers in English and Maths who will be leading in training other teachers to improve knowledge and skills
Mr Berry shares that " if children are happy , they will learn well, so we have introduced a new fresh environment to promote a calm, friendly, learning space " and the school are commited to communication with parents and keeping parents up to date along their child's journey..
The school are also commited to working with children with all needs, and working together with school and parents to understand the children's needs and help them individually achieve.
What motivates Mr Berry? He shares "Seeing the positive impact education can have on children's lives and , the hope , of meeting children in their adult lives and seeing the positive impact on their future lives! We are their first step in education and I believe primary school you can shape where they are going to next..."
Finally Mr Berry shared a fascinating fact about Swallow Dell that some may not know- it has a paddling pool! Sounds like something very much appreciated in the glorious summer weather!
Take a look at Swallow Dell a little more here
Open morning dates for Swallow Dell are if you are looking for a new primary school for September 2025:
Thursday 21st November 2024
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Friday 29th November 2024
On website homepage there is link to book on Open Morning Booking Form for September 2025 (jotform.com)
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